Nick Schultz holds off Tadej Pogacar to take dramatic victory on opening stage of Volta a Catalunya 2024

Nick Schultz has held off Tadej Pogacar to take victory on a punchy finale to the opening stage of the 2024 Volta a Catalunya, moving into the overall lead of the race in the process.

Five men got themselves into the early break with hopes of disrupting the aims of those in the peloton, including Simone Petilli (Intermarché - Wanty) and Kenny Elissonde (Cofidis). With plenty of climbing on an up-and-down stage though, the bunch wasn't giving those attackers much leeway.

With Tadej Pogacar's UAE Team Emirates taking a firm control of the peloton throughout the day, the break was always within catching distance.

Stage hopeful Maxim van Gils took a blow however in an innocuous crash just over 40km out, venting his frustrations in the aftermath.

The break were finally caught just before the bonus second sprint with Egan Bernal taking the maximum 3 bonus seconds on offer ahead of Pogacar who claimed 2 as Laurens De Plus took 1.

With no attackers trying their luck on the final climb of the day, it seemed as if a reduced bunch would be descending towards the punchy finish line and likely uphill sprint finish.

Despite a couple riders trying their luck on the roads to the final rise, UAE Team Emirates kept things under control with a high pace, not allowing any attacks to stick.

Into the final kilometre, Israel - Premier-Tech, working for Nick Schultz had taken control of the front and he launched his move from distance.

Although Schultz gained an advantage, the chase behind was fierce and with 200m to go, Pogacar made his attack. Just at the line though, the Israel - Premier Tech man managed to hold on to the stage win in incredibly dramatic style with Schultz' teammate, Stephen Williams third.

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